Reinterpreting the Battle of Cowpens, 1781

Summary

In August 2015, the Southeast Archeological Center undertook a large-scale systematic survey of the core battlefield and surrounding environs of Cowpens National Battlefield. The survey covered over 50 acres using Federal and State archaeologists in conjunction with volunteers from throughout the southeastern United States. The project nearly doubled the footprint of the battle, in addition to uncovering several artifacts that are key to interpreting troop movements and actions across the landscape. The resounding success was due in large part to this collaboration of State, Federal, and Private organizations that came together with the singular focus of better understanding the events of January 17, 1781. These partnerships are being further developed to carry the momentum of the project by developing outreach, research design, and providing support to Revolutionary War sites throughout the southeast as part of the buildup for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution the goal of which is to shed light on the importance of the Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution as a deciding factor in American Independence.